'Chennai is a different team' - Faf du Plessis believes that CSK is not the same without MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni has been a pivotal force behind Chennai Super Kings’ success in the Indian Premier League. The former India skipper may not have been the franchise’s first-choice player in the 2008 auction. However, over the years, he has emerged as the backbone of the Yellow Army.

The Chennai-based franchise has qualified for the playoffs in every season they have featured in and won the IPL championship thrice under Dhoni’s captaincy. Hence, CSK without the presence of MS Dhoni is an unimaginable sight for any cricket fanatic. The wicketkeeper-batsman has delivered impressive performances with his willow too and has now etched his name as an indispensable part of the franchise.

Along with fans, Dhoni is often lauded for his leadership skills for his fellow teammates. Be it domestic cricket or international cricket, the Ranchi batsman is hailed for his excellent captaincy and leadership skills by many players.

Faf du Plessis heaps praise on MS Dhoni’s leadership

South Africa’s Faf du Plessis also believes CSK is not the same team without MS Dhoni. Du Plessis lauded the former Indian skipper’s leadership skills. In a recent Instagram live session on CSK’s page, Faf revealed, “MS walks off the field. Chennai is a different team. He has got such strong leadership in the group.”

“When MS is not there, the team is not the same. He leaves a massive hole when is he not in the team,” he added.

Du Plessis also stressed on the fact that how difficult was him to play under a different captain– MS Dhoni– being a national skipper himself. The former South Africa skipper said that he always looks to keep making field suggestions during his presence on the field.

“There is one captain in the team so you understand what is your value. I personally, on-field make sure the position of fielders. You help out a little bit to the captain on the day. For guys who want to run the show every time, those people struggle to play under a captain,” said Du Plessis.

Dhoni was set to mark his comeback to the game while donning the CSK jersey in IPL 2020. However, due to coronavirus outbreak, the tournament has been postponed indefinitely and the commencement of the much-awaited league looks bleak at the moment. Dhoni has not braced the field since India’s defeat against New Zealand in the semi-final of 2019 World Cup.